Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1887-02-12
IMPROVEMENT,

Wnlle In inc HHaicIdi CcHteiS VIZ
country, there are az yet but few indica'
lions Of q movement, or an improve
ment in public opinion in regard to
mining investment, an examination OF
the local papers, published in different
parts Of the mining territory, will show
that IN under-current Of no mean pro-
portions is already moving in this di-
rection. The records Of sales and trans
fers of mining properties, show an in
creased volume, and the organizations
of mining companies in eastern cities
gives evidence that a tide Of invest
ment is already turning again toward
the attractive mining fields Of the On
tinent, and that there is al increase and
revival Of interest and possibly of specu-
lation.
As almost every locality where this
investment reaches bears monuments of
previous folly and inexperience, it is to
be hoped the lesson which they teach
will be needed and many ofthe mistakes
avoided, which were responsible for
%unfavorablc results in the past.
1t is safe to say that the outcome Of
the present movement will be much
more favorable and satisfactory than
any which has preceded it, from the
fact that not only is wider knowledge
available, but better facilities, methods
and conditions more generally prevail
in every portion Of the mining country.
The cost Of reduction and Transports
ton has been reduced and the ore
bodies have been practically enlarged
by the %improvent in facilities which
allow the profitable working of lower
grades of ore.
This more favorable condition, which
generally prevails, ought certainly, in
the hands of business men, be made to
produce more satisfactory results than
ever before in the history OF this in
dustry, but it must be remembered, that
in this as in every other line Of bust
ness, the same causes will produce the
same results, that a profitable success
depends largely upon wise, careful and
economical management, and that ex-
t~ravagance and inexperience, however
rich or valuable the property, will not
bring a profit upon investment in any
field.
The mistake has been too often made
in attempting to build up a mine or
mining property upon the reputation of
another in the same locality. There is
required at every step in this business
most thorough and careful examina.
ton Of the indications by persons thor,
oughly competent and experienced and
that as each property in the outcome
must stand upon its own basis, it should
be judged by its W character and
showing, regardless Of what others may
have done or are doing in this same
locality.
The Ontario, the Homestake, the
Granite Mountain, Silver King, Anacon-
da, Drum Lummon, each standing as a
monument of prosperity in its locality,
are surrounded by cores Of others that
gain no practical benefit from their
proximity to these great mines. 1t is
possible that many of this unknown
number, ~overshadowed by these centers
of prosperity, may possess equal natural
advantages, but a better experience and
ADLER management have produced wide
ly different results.
The employment Of skilled laborers
and experienced superintendents, with
the modern appliances now available,
directed by the strictest and most con
sentative business principles, with pro-
duction as the central point Of attain.
mont, must result in a page of better
history upon the records of mining
development,-Chicago Mining Reyiew.